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How to Get to Wuxi

How to Get to Wuxi

Wuxi Jiangsu, China Travel Guide

Airports & Connections

Major Airports

airports serving Wuxi for domestic and international travel.

Airport Locations

  • Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX): 16 km southeast of Wuxi city center, regional international airport.
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Major international gateway, ~150 kilometers from Wuxi. For long-haul international flights.
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): Main domestic and regional international, ~120 km from Wuxi. Well-connected to high-speed rail.

Airlines & Routes

Airlines and typical routes for Wuxi and nearby major airports.

Flight Details

  • WUX: Mainly domestic flights (China Eastern, Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines, China Southern) to major Chinese cities. Limited international/regional flights (Hong Kong special administrative region, Macau, Seoul, Osaka).
  • PVG/SHA: Hubs for numerous foreign carriers, with extensive global connections.
  • Direct Long-Haul: Not available to WUX. International travelers fly into PVG/SHA, then transfer by high-speed rail or bus.

Seasonal Flights

Flight prices increase during peak travel seasons (Chinese New Year, National Day, summer holidays). Book flights well in advance during these periods.

Airport Facilities

WUX: Standard facilities, dining, duty-free, car rental, currency exchange. PVG/SHA: Comprehensive services, extensive dining, shopping, lounges, ground transportation.

Airport Transfers

From WUX: Airport Express Bus, taxi/DiDi (~¥60-100), Metro Line S1. From PVG/SHA: High-speed rail is most efficient (Maglev/Metro 2 to Hongqiao Railway Station, then 45-60 min train).

Transfer Efficiency

WUX Transfers

  • Airport Express Bus for city center access.
  • Taxi/DiDi for direct routes.
  • Metro Line S1 connects directly to the subway network.
  • These options make onward travel from WUX simple.

Shanghai Transfers

  • High-speed rail from Shanghai Hongqiao is the quickest.
  • Long-distance buses are an option, but slower.
  • For high-speed rail from Shanghai, reserve tickets early, especially during busy times.
  • Hongqiao station is adjacent to Hongqiao Airport, making connections easy.

Transfer Efficiency

Long-Distance Buses

Express buses are available from both Shanghai airports to Wuxi. This option is generally slower than high-speed rail but can be more direct if your accommodation is not near a train station.

High-Speed Rail

This is the main popular and efficient transfer method from Shanghai. From PVG: take the Shanghai Maglev or Metro Line 2 to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. From SHA: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is directly adjacent to Hongqiao Airport.

Train Journey

High-speed trains from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Wuxi Railway Station take approximately 45-60 minutes. This quick connection makes Shanghai a viable entry point for Wuxi.

Land Travel Options

High-Speed Rail

Wuxi is a major hub on China's high-speed rail network, making it easily accessible from many cities.

Train Stations & Connections

  • Wuxi Train Station: City center, serves high-speed (G/D) and conventional (K/T/Z) trains.
  • Wuxi East Railway Station: Eastern suburbs, mainly serves high-speed trains.
  • Extensive Connections: Shanghai (~45-60 min), Nanjing (~1 hour), Beijing (~4-5 hours), Hangzhou (~1.5-2 hours).

Long-Distance Buses

Wuxi has several long-distance bus stations, like Wuxi Central Bus Station. They connect to cities and towns throughout Jiangsu province and adjacent provinces.

Bus Travel Benefits

  • Cost-effective alternative to high-speed rail.
  • Generally slower than trains but can reach smaller towns.
  • Useful for locations not served by train.

Self-Driving Considerations

Car rental is possible but generally not recommended for foreign tourists.

Driving Information

  • International Driving Permits are not recognized.
  • Convenience: Public transport and ride-sharing are more convenient due to traffic, unfamiliar signage, and local driving habits.
  • Navigation: Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps are very important for driving.

Road Safety

Road conditions and safety considerations for driving in Wuxi.

Roads & Traffic

  • Roads: Highways and highways in and around Wuxi are generally well-maintained.
  • City Traffic: Can be heavy and chaotic, especially during rush hours. Drivers need to be aware of scooters, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
  • Driving Laws: Drive on the right-hand side. Strict traffic laws and severe penalties for drunk driving.

Border Crossings

  • Not Applicable: Wuxi is an internal city inside China.
  • International arrivals and border crossings are processed at designated international airports or seaports.
  • Focus on domestic travel within China for Wuxi.
  • All international arrivals and immigration occur at major gateways like Shanghai.
  • Wuxi itself does not have international border crossing facilities.
  • Travelers arriving from outside China will complete entry procedures at their first point of entry inside China.

Sea & River Travel

River Transportation

The Grand Canal passes through Wuxi, and canal tours are popular within the metropolis for sightseeing.

Canal & Lake Tours

  • Sightseeing: Boat trips are a popular means of exploring the Grand Canal and Taihu Lake. Mainly for leisure, not point-to-point transport.
  • Grand Canal Tours: Enjoy traditional boat rides along the ancient sections of the Grand Canal.
  • Taihu Lake Cruises: Depart from Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, with scenic views of the lake.

International Sea Arrivals

Wuxi is not a coastal city and does not have international cruise ports or significant tourist ferry services for arrival or departure.

Sea Entry Information

  • No International Ports: Wuxi does not receive international cruise ships.
  • No Tourist Ferries: Not a main entry or exit point for international travelers.
  • Every international arrivals for China occur at designated international airports or coastal seaports.

Connections to Land Transport

Domestic river travel connects to Wuxi's local land transportation network. Use local buses or metro from river docks for onward travel.

Immigration Procedures

Not applicable for Wuxi. The city does not have international seaports for the process of immigrationing. All such procedures occur at official international entry points.

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Wuxi is not a coastal city. It does not have international cruise ports or significant tourist ferry services for arrival or departure.

Departure from Wuxi

Departure Timing

Plan your arrival at the airport or station with sufficient time.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • WUX Airport: 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights for check-in and security.
  • High-Speed Rail: 30-45 minutes before departure to navigate station, pass security, locate platform. Train doors typically close a few minutes prior.
  • Avoid rush hour for transfers to airports/stations to prevent delays.

Departure Facilities

Airports and stations offer various amenities for departing travelers.

Amenities for Travelers

  • WUX Airport: Standard facilities, waiting areas, dining, shops.
  • Railway Stations: Extensive waiting areas, numerous restaurants, shops for snacks, beverages, and souvenirs.
  • Food & Beverage: Many options at both airport and stations for a meal or quick snack before travel.

Exit Fees & Taxes

No Exit Fees

There are no specific exit fees or taxes for departing mainland China via air or land for foreign tourists.

Included in Ticket

Any taxes are typically included in your flight or train ticket price, so no surprises upon departure.

Smooth Exit

Just focus on your travel itinerary and enjoy a pleasant departure from Wuxi.

Final Tips

Ensure your passport and visa are readily accessible. Double-check your luggage for any things you can't bring. Have your boarding pass or train ticket ready for inspections. Confirm transportation to the airport/station in advance.